JAMMU, Nov 18: The Interdisciplinary Research Methodology Course, sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), New Delhi, and jointly organized by the Department of Commerce and the Department of Zoology, University of Jammu, commenced today in the Department of Zoology.

The 10-day programme is being conducted under the leadership of Prof Gurjeet Kaur (Course Director) and Prof Pankaj Kumar (Co-Course Director).

The inaugural session was graced by Prof Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies, JU as the chief guest while Prof Sanjeeb Kumar Jena, Dean, Faculty of Commerce & Management, Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal Pradesh was the guest of honour. Prof Alka Sharma, Dean, Faculty of Business Studies; and Prof Yash Pal Sharma, Dean, Faculty of Life Sciences were also on the dais.

Prof Neelu Rohmetra emphasised the need to take this interdisciplinary course to the next level in the coming years. She also stressed the importance of honing essential writing skills among faculty members and research scholars to develop effective research grant proposals at both national and international levels.

Prof Sanjeeb Kumar Jena applauded the unique interdisciplinary collaboration, noting that it reflects the foundational principles of NEP 2020.

Prof Alka Sharma highlighted that this course would lay the foundation for similar initiatives in the near future, thereby dissolving departmental silos as envisioned in the core philosophy of NEP 2020.

Prof Yash Pal Sharma remarked that relying on a monocultural approach hinders academic growth and that academicians must encourage innovation by integrating different disciplines.

Prof Jyoti Sharma, Head (In-Charge), Department of Commerce, introduced the overall structure, objectives, and thematic flow of the 10-day Research Methodology Course and gave a detailed presentation.

Earlier, Prof Seema Langer, Head, Department of Zoology, emphasised the importance of interdisciplinary synergy in contemporary research environments.

Day 1 focused on the foundations of research methodology. Prof Gurjeet Kaur delivered insightful sessions on the Meaning and Aspects of Research, followed by a lecture on the Relevance of Methodology and distinctions between qualitative and quantitative paradigms. In the subsequent session, Prof S K Jena introduced participants to Research Design, addressing topic selection, problem identification, and research gaps. The day concluded with an introductory module on Literature Review.

The formal vote of thanks was presented by the Course Director, Prof Gurjeet Kaur.

In the coming days, 40 structured modules will be delivered by eminent scholars from India and abroad, covering various topics.